Google snubs helping catch thief it filmed

INTERNET giant Google has refused to help police snare an alleged criminal caught in the act by one of its controversial Street View cameras.

Street View shows the caravan, the suspect and the 4x4 – with number blurred. []

David and Rebecca Soanes had their caravan stolen from their driveway by a brazen thief who attached it to his own car.

Weeks later the couple’s 11-year-old son Reuben logged on to Street View, where pictures taken by Google’s specially adapted cars are uploaded allowing users to see panoramic views of streets.

Reuben looked at his home and was stunned to discover a photograph apparently taken while the theft was taking place.

In accordance with site rules, the number plate of the alleged thief’s 4x4 vehicle was blurred out. Police contacted the internet group requesting the original photograph so they could trace the suspect. But Google refused to help, saying: “Only if you get a court order.”

The photograph on the internet shows the man and a four-wheel-drive vehicle loitering on the drive of the Soanes’ home at Linton, near Swadlincote, Derbyshire.

Exam invigilator Mrs Soanes said: “It does seem ridiculous that the information is available but Google is not forthcoming with it. The 4x4 and the man may not even be involved but at least they could then be ruled out of the investigation.”

South Derbyshire Tory MP Heather Wheeler said: “I am disappointed that Google’s initial reaction is to refuse. Of course, the police can get a court order but what a waste of public money in order to do that.”

Mrs Soanes and her surveyor husband believe the Street View picture shows the theft of their Abbey Aventura caravan because a neighbour told them afterwards that they had seen a man and a 4x4 on the drive, but thought he was a family friend.

Police released the Street View image of the man and the vehicle but they have been unable to trace him. At the same time, they asked Google for the number plate image but ran foul of the website’s own rules.

A Google spokesperson said: “It’s very important to Google and our users that we only provide information if valid process is followed. We will of course co-operate with police requests as long as they are legally valid.” A police spokeswoman said yesterday: “We are still in negotiations.”